Former Texas Mayor Gives Tinubu Conditions to Stop Criticising His Government

Former Texas mayor Mike Arnold has challenged President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to support displaced Nigerians living in camps across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying he would stop criticising the president if his demands were met.

Arnold made the demands in an open letter shared on his verified X account, where he called on Tinubu’s administration to acknowledge the plight of thousands of displaced people and provide practical assistance to ease their suffering. According to a report by Naija News published on October 16, 2026, Arnold estimated that 40,000 or more displaced Nigerians were living in at least eight camps within the FCT.

The former mayor urged the federal government to ensure that displaced families have access to essential needs, including food, clothing, shelter, proper sanitation, medical care and education for their children. He also called on Tinubu to seek assistance from international relief organisations to help address the humanitarian situation.

Beyond immediate relief, Arnold urged the government to take stronger action against Boko Haram and other armed groups responsible for insecurity in parts of the country. He said efforts should focus on clearing these groups from the ancestral lands of displaced families so that they can return home and live in safety.

Arnold also rejected suggestions that his criticism was motivated by personal or financial interests. In his letter, he said he was not seeking a government appointment, contract, favour or payment in exchange for ending his public criticism of the president.

He further referred to what he described as a $9 million United States lobbying contract linked to efforts to counter criticism of Tinubu’s administration. Arnold claimed that he had been a major target of the campaign, but said the experience had strengthened his determination to continue speaking out. These claims were presented in his letter and have not been independently established here.

The former mayor said he would stop commenting on Tinubu and the presidential election if the government acknowledged the displaced families’ plight and took the actions he outlined. He framed his demand around humanitarian assistance, security and the safe return of affected communities rather than personal benefits.

His intervention draws attention to the difficulties faced by internally displaced people in Nigeria, many of whom have been forced to leave their homes because of armed attacks and insecurity. Access to shelter, healthcare, education and reliable food supplies remains a major concern for families living in displacement camps. The letter places pressure on the federal government to demonstrate how it intends to address the needs of displaced Nigerians, particularly those living in camps around the nation’s capital.